8 Movies to Watch Using Audio Description

Do you love going to the movies, but find it difficult to follow the plot line when there is no dialogue? In this case, an audio description can help! This technology provides verbal descriptions of what is happening onscreen, allowing people who are blind or have low vision to enjoy films just like everyone else. 

In this article, we will recommend 8 movies that you can watch using audio descriptions.

What is DVS (Descriptive Video Service)?

A DVS is a form of audio-narrative designed to provide listeners with an immersive and intimate experience of the on-screen action. It is distinct from traditional film commentary in that it does not primarily focus on providing academic insights or analyzing the filmmakers' choices. Instead, descriptive video service aims to give blind and low-vision audiences a "mental image" of the visual elements of a production. 

Descriptive video service typically employs a neutral, third-person narrator who verbally describes what is happening on screen in between lines of dialogue. The goal is to provide just enough information to orient listeners without disrupting their experience of the story. 

It can be used in live theatre, museum tours, and other events where it would be difficult for someone who is blind or has low vision to follow along without verbal cues. In recent years, it has also become common for audio descriptions to be included as an option on DVDs and Blu-rays, as well as on streaming services such as Netflix. 

While descriptive video service can be beneficial for anyone who has difficulty following visual media, it is an especially important tool for ensuring that blind and low-vision audiences can enjoy the same films, television shows, and other forms of entertainment as everyone else.

Although it is most commonly associated with live theater, there are a number of movies that also offer this service. For those unfamiliar with audio description, it is a narration track that describes the action onscreen, making it accessible to blind and visually impaired audiences. 

Here Are 8 Great Movies That Offer Audio Descriptions:

Movie #1: The Shawshank Redemption

This classic film tells the story of Andy Dufresne, a man who is wrongfully convicted of murder and sent to prison. While incarcerated, he befriends another inmate, Red, and together they hatch a plan to escape.

Movie #2: Forrest Gump

Tom Hanks stars in this unforgettable film as Forrest Gump, a man with an IQ of 75 who goes on to have a series of remarkable adventures. The film chronicles his life from childhood through adulthood and features some of the most iconic scenes in movie history.

Movie #3: Frozen

Frozen is an animated film from Disney tells the story of Elsa, a princess with the power to create ice and snow. When her sister Anna is put in danger, she must embark on a journey to save her. Along the way, she meets Olaf, a friendly snowman, and Kristoff, a rugged mountain man. This one is great for the whole family.

Movie #4: The Silence of the Lambs

This thriller follows Clarice Starling, an FBI trainee who is assigned to track down a serial killer known as Buffalo Bill. To catch him, she must enlist the help of another inmate: the brilliant and sociopathic Hannibal Lecter. This one is not for the faint of heart.

Movie #5: The Godfather

This classic film follows the Corleone family, a powerful crime syndicate in New York City. The story centers on the family's patriarch, Vito Corleone, and his son, Michael, who takes over the business after Vito's death.

Movie #6: Up

This heartwarming Pixar film tells the story of Carl Fredericksen, a retired balloon salesman who ties thousands of balloons to his house and sets off to South America. Along the way, he meets a young boy named Russell, and together they have a series of adventures.

Movie #7: The Dark Knight

This superhero film from Christopher Nolan follows Batman as he tries to stop the Joker, a criminal mastermind who is hell-bent on causing chaos in Gotham City. The Dark Knight is widely considered to be one of the best superhero movies ever made.

Movie #8: The Imitation Game

This historical drama tells the true story of Alan Turing, a brilliant mathematician who was recruited by the British government during World War II to crack the Nazi's "Enigma" code. The film stars Benedict Cumberbatch as Alan Turing and Keira Knightley as his colleague, Joan Clarke.

Is Visual Accessibility Exist at Movie Theaters as Well?

Yes, many movie theaters now offer closed captioning and audio descriptions support as they are equipped with devices that allow that. These devices can be used with any film that has these tracks available. In addition, many theaters have designated showings of movies that are open to blind and low-vision audiences.